For goodness sakes, it’s Friday. Let’s forget about all the junk going on and live in TV land for a few minutes, yes?
I posted my Fall TV plans a few months ago and we’re well into the season now. Let’s gather around the water cooler and talk about how it’s going.
Once Upon a Time
The first episode of the season really freaked me out with that dementor thing so I turned it off half way in the ep and swore off the show. But then Mary assured me at Allume that the dementor thing had gone away and the season was good.
So I gave it another try and sure enough, this season has been great. I’m not sure I love Mulan or the fact that Snow is separated from Charming but they definitely have been able to keep it going even after everyone realized who they were. The addition of Hook has been fabulous and I am enjoying some more back story. If nothing else, I watch so I can read SortaCrunchy’s recap posts every week.
Revenge
I was doubtful about Revenge but I’m so glad I hung in there. It’s been a fantastic season. There was an episode a few weeks ago that was so good, it could have been a great season finale. I like the addition of the new character. I like the addition of her mother. I like the drama with the pregnancy. Well done, folks.
Parenthood
By far, this season is Parenthood’s best. Great storylines, great acting. Makes me cry. Just brilliant. I’m so entirely thrilled for Matt Lauria in his new role on there. Ryan York + Amber FTW! I just have to post these pictures because oh my goodness, I just do.
I knew him first, Amber, ok? If you have no idea what those are about, go read here.
And before you think there was any funny business going on, I’m obviously happily married and so is Matt. I was hugging Luke, ok? Luke. Who wouldn’t want to hug Luke Cafferty? Matt is actually very awesome and has a BEAUTIFUL and TALENTED wife Michelle Armstrong we got to meet as well so go check her out.
Modern Family
Modern Family continues to keep us in stitches. I wouldn’t say it’s the best season but the Obama line the other night made up for it in spades.
Nashville
Hm, what do I think about Nashville? Intense. Very intense. The acting is superb, really. The storylines live up to its dramatic name. But I kind of hate that the main couple is falling apart. Neither really are faithful to their partners. Both are a bit selfish and shallow. It seems everyone is just chasing money. I miss the rock solid relationship of Coach Taylor and Tami in Friday Night Lights. But the singing and the chemistry. Oh, it’s all so good. I do wonder what you Nashvillian folks think about it?
Oh and since I mentioned Coach, why not another FNL picture?
Someone get Kyle Chandler back on my TV screen, please.
Arrow
This show wasn’t even on my radar this year but I’m so glad I checked it out. This is a fantastic drama/action series. The acting can be a bit sketchy by the main character when he’s trying to play his old character but it has definitely improved over the last episode or two. I enjoy the idea that the main character and Laurel both fight for the good of their city. Above all, the action scenes are just tremendous and worth the watch.
Last Resort
While I’m not on the edge of my seat each week this this show, both Scott and I enjoy watching a show together. I appreciate the intensity and the action and feel more like I’m watching a movie than TV series. Scott Speedman and Andre Braugher are just such great actors, they make me believe in it. Unfortunately, I think the two female characters played by Daisy Betts and Autumn Reeser are weak and if there was any area of improvement, that would be it.
Shows I’ve axed
Elementary
Well, this was no Sherlock. The show was interesting but I found it hard to follow and lacking enough wit for me to enjoy.
Revolution
Bad acting. Bad characters. Horribly slow storyline.
Chicago Fire
It wasn’t a bad show but my Wednesdays were already busy and there weren’t too many characters to like very much. Perhaps I should give it another chance. Anyone really enjoying it?
Mob Doctor, 666 Park Avenue and Animal Practice were too bad to even go into detail.
I still haven’t checked out Beauty and the Beast. Anyone? How is it?
OK that’s it. What say you? Which of these are you watching too and what do you think?
First, a question about Nashville: Does Connie Britton do her own singing? If so, wow! Lady’s got chops.
I’m glad you like the show – I’m crazy about it and want you to consider looking at the emotional infidelity – and money chasing – another way: First, the main character’s husband KNEW about that relationship before her married her, so he tacitly accepted that it would always be complicated. It wouldn’t be realistic if there weren’t lingering feelings. Now, the husband’s move into politics plays perfectly into his wife’s daddy issues (Powers Booth is working on a supporting Emmy here) – I like the writing because it’s so realistic.
As far as the quest for fame and money – reward and validation are what these creative, dynamic characters have worked so hard for. It’s a huge part of who they are, so I accept that as life in the fast lane, so to speak.
Anyway, couldn’t agree any more on another FNL movie. Any chatter about that?
Thanks for all the great pics and reviews, Amy. You are the BEST!
p.s. “Thank Obama – you’re paying for it.” Hilarious – nice highlight.
Yes, Connie does her own singing. She had to take lessons and I believe she mentioned she was scared to death. I think watching that side of her is what keeps me watching. This is an entirely different character…even from Spin City…and she does it all so well. Really appreciate her talent.
I GET the infidelity and money chasing. It’s totally plausible, realistic and spot-on. I’m just not sure that’s what I want to spend my time watching, you know? Just not sure if there’s enough redemption in the show for me to make it worth my time. If you think of FNL, yeah, there was some crappy stuff happening but people changed and good things were happening and there were good people to root for. Just not seeing that in Nashville. And yes, Powers Booth is amazing in his role.
Haven’t heard of anyone else getting cast but that would be awesome.
See for me, it’s that tension that makes it interesting. Also, as far as redemption, well, we just don’t know where anyone is headed, do we? But I look forward to finding out!
BTW I do like how Juliet rightly points out that Rayna was born with a silver spoon in her mouth. She’s really not much of a diva as far as divas go (that’s Juliet’s job, lol) but you can see a little bit of the spoiled princess come out in Rayna now and then.
BTW, if Connie is not the patron saint of female actresses over 40 who get roles that demand beauty as well as talent, I don;t know who is. She gets more gorgeous by the year, IMHO.
I guess that’s true. It’s a little early to figure out what the show will do with the characters. I see some hope in Juliet’s mother finding redemption. I’m fine with a continued struggle, but there has to be some hope somewhere at some point, you know?
I find Rayna quite diva-ish. Not in the same way as Juliet, but still. She’s very insistent that she gets her tour and her music and she’s not going to do anything her daddy’s way. I know she wants her music to succeed but yeah, not the most humble, self-sacrificing person ever. But then, you see her sacrificing her love of Deacon to try to keep her family together and I do appreciate that. I wish they would show her more with the kids.
And seriously, Connie is amazing. I only wish to age as well as her.
Well, with the season in the final, two-week, lap, any insight on renewal for 2014? I don’t want to ask your opinion of this season until it concludes, but are you more or less still on-board?
Personally, I like it even more than when it began, even if a couple arcs have been predictable (you just knew three weeks ago or so that Avery was going to end up playing guitar for Juliette before that tour was over, lol). I also have one firm statement: The only character who’s not in some way become corrupted is Scarlett. It was good writing to make Gunnar something other than the prince charming he seemed (still a good guy, but his baggage and flaws have pretty much all bubbled up to the surface) but you just don’t want to see Scarlett get hurt….again.
OK so I don’t know if this is believable but I quit watching TV entirely about 6 weeks ago. I was so frustrated with the shows and really wanted that time for other things that I just left it behind. You’ll have to give me an update on Nashville though. What’s going on with everyone?
Wow – I think I’d be able to quit smoking easier than TV 🙂 OK, in a nut:
Gunnar had a brother who got out of prison and then was killed not long after Gunnar took his brother’s gun and the it in the river. The resulting guilt led to a bender and blowing off his and Scatlett’s audition with Reyna’s new record label. Scarlett performed solo and got the contact. Gunnar found a notebook with great songs his brother wrote and is passing one off as his own.
In the meantime, a new neighbor of theirs is a promising musician who kissed Gunnar when they were drunk. And the neighbor is a man. (I actually sensed that one coming).
Reyna’s dad had a heart attack and she left the tour to tend to him and now she’s the favored daughter. Teddy is losing what’s left of his soul plotting revenge on his ex father-in-law.
Deacon left his girlfriend and dog to be with Reyna, who then told him she just wants to be friends with benefits (more or less). Deacon also left the tour a few minutes before showtime and Avery, hired as a roadie for the tour (and treated badly by the guy in charge of roadies, but treated well by Deacon) filled in and did quite well leading Juliette’s band.
Juliette started sleeping with her mom’s sponsor and made him her manager. He then tried to set up the mom to make it look like she was using again when she wasn’t and then embezzled a few hundred thousand dollars from Juliette’s bank account and jumped on a plane for the Cayman Islands (or maybe Mexico – I don’t recall).
Now you’re pretty caught up!
You know, I would have said the same thing (except I don’t smoke, but you get it). It’s actually been one of the most freeing things I’ve done.
I really dislike Teddy and his character. Which is a shame because I love the actor and really want to root for him.
And really, Reyna is not much better!
I think the only two I really pull for is Deacon and Juliette. That’s partly why I didn’t have a hard time letting go–I didn’t like half the characters.
Thank you for typing that up though. It is nice to drop in and see whatever everyone is up to 🙂
I was just thinking I needed info on some new shows to watch. Maybe I’ll have to check a couple of these out.
And just for a fun random side note, my cousin made a quick appearance as an extra on Chicago Fire a couple weeks ago. But that was the only episode I’ve seen of that show. 🙂
Oh, how fun! Would love to know what episode and where she was!
A few other shows people keep telling me to check out are Parks and Recreation, Hart of Dixie and The Middle.
Parks and Recreation was one I recently pulled up on netflix.
Chicago Fire, episode 2, aired 10/17. He was a construction worker in the background, up on a bridge. Don’t know if this link will work or not to show a screen shot of him. Kinda fun. 🙂
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=569702720480&set=a.523560604650.2028140.145900102&type=1&theater
I thought I was the only one who thought Revolution was meh. I don’t have time really to watch much TV. My only must-watches are The Walking Dead and Bones. I’ll watch Law & Order: SVU if I’m not doing anything else. I did see one episode of Chicago Hope and thought it was good, but it’s not something I can’t miss. I love Parks & Rec, but again, just don’t have time to watch everything I want.
Does anyone else think all the new guys and gals in these shows are trying too hard to be Katniss?
Leann recently posted…Thankful Thursday
Revolution DEFINITELY was a call out to Katniss/THG. A very poor one though. Her character was the worst.
This list sadly would be much, much longer if I had infinite amounts of TV viewing time. Some of these I have to watch weeks late.
Ugh. The acting in that show is HORRIBLE.
Leann recently posted…Thankful Thursday
Oops. Chicago Fire, not Hope.
Leann recently posted…Thankful Thursday
Love Revenge! LOVE! LOVE!
I am with you on Chicago Fire. 666 Park Ave is too scary for me and Revolution had too much of a Lost feel to it and I never got into that.
One that you haven’t mentioned is Emily Owens, MD. I’ve come to LOVE the show (it’s only 3 episodes in) and just so cute. Not sure what night it comes on. We don’t have cable so most of what I watch is on Hulu.
Heather {Desperately Seeking Sanity} recently posted…Raised a Cavalier, Briefly a Titan and Now a Terrier
I haven’t heard of Emily Owens, MD. We don’t have cable either so it’d be perfect! Gonna look it up, thanks!